Italy and the 'Shock of the Global' during the 1970s

“This is an innovative and exhaustive study of the major events that have affected Italy in the international scenario. Addressing globalization, security, foreign policy, and economics, this book makes an important contribution to modern Italian history and Italy's role in international affairs.” — Valentine Lomellini, Associate Professor of the History of International Relations, University of Padua, Italy This open access book explores how Italy experienced the crucial period of transition that has come to be known as the ‘Shock of the Global’ during the 1970s. This decade marked a change between the prevailing socio-political and economic structures of the post-war world – the ‘golden age’ of national and Fordist capitalism – and a new horizon which would become much more integrated at a global and transnational level. Drawing from a diverse range of sources, the collection focuses on the perceptions of the crisis and the novelties of the globalization process, as well as the complex process of adjustment that occurred as a result, revealing how events during the 1970s impacted Italy’s collective mentality, its social groups, political parties and culture. Comprising 23 brief chapters, each examining a symbolic event of the decade, this book acts as a starting point for studying the Italian perception of international change. An insightful read for anyone researching modern Italian history, globalization or transnational history, this book demonstrates how Italian culture, society and politics reacted to international stimuli from abroad during the 1970s. Guido Formigoni is Full Professor of Contemporary History at the IULM University of Milan, Italy, where he holds the position of Vice Rector. He wrote extensively on International Politics, Catholic Parties and the influence of the Cold War on the Italian Republic. He is a member of the International Scientific Committee of Civitas (Forum of Archives and Research on Christian Democracy) and coordinates the Scientific Committee for the edition of cardinal Carlo Maria Martini’s ‘Complete Works’.